| Next time you go to Galveston, Texas for a day | | | | through the ship channel and there are often |
| trip or vacation you should check out SeaWolf | | | | cruise ships too. Many rarely see these large ships |
| Park on Pelican Island. It's one of the hidden | | | | up close and it is a great place to just watch. A |
| treasures of the Galveston area. The big | | | | good pair of binoculars is good to have if you |
| attractions were two naval vessels from World | | | | want to see the different bird species and other |
| War II, the Cavalla, a Gato class fleet sub and the | | | | items of interest in and around the shorelines and |
| USS Stewart that is a destroyer escort that was | | | | ship channel. |
| actually built in nearby Houston. The submarine | | | | Entry to the park is $1 for adults and $.50 for |
| was damaged by Hurricane Ike and is no longer | | | | children. But they do get you for a parking fee |
| there, not sure if they plan on refurbishing and | | | | too, cars are $6. The entry to the USS Stewart |
| bringing her back at this point. But the USS | | | | is $7 for adults and $3 for children under 11. |
| Stewart is fine and still on display. | | | | These rates are subject to change so you might |
| Besides the famous USS Stewart (only one of | | | | want to check if concerned. Take cash since the |
| three still in existence) there is also a 3-story | | | | last time I was there (1/10) they did not take |
| pavilion for viewing the ship channel, a lighted | | | | credit cards. And bring your own refreshments |
| fishing pier, and a playground. Pelican Island is | | | | too if you plan on staying awhile. |
| surrounded by water and provides some great | | | | The fastest and easiest way to get to Pelican |
| views of passing ships and even porpoises and | | | | Island and SeaWolf Park is to take Interstate 45 |
| other wildlife. There are picnic areas and | | | | all the way to 51st Street and take a left. Just |
| pedestrian access to the shoreline. | | | | continue across the bridge to Pelican Island and go |
| This is a great spot for kids for fishing and the | | | | to the end of Seawolf Blvd. It ends at the |
| playground is a big attraction. You can fish off the | | | | entrance to the park. Take plenty of sunscreen |
| shoreline for free or go on the Fishing Pier for $6 | | | | and mosquito repellent. If there is a strong breeze |
| for adults and $3 for children. There are a lot of | | | | the mosquitoes aren't a problem but if the wind |
| whiting and sand trout (not serious fisherman's | | | | dies down, you will know they are there. And |
| choice of catch) that are easy to catch and keep | | | | even if it's overcast or cloudy the sunscreen is a |
| the kids entertained. If you get lucky you can | | | | very good idea. |
| catch some good trout and redfish too. Spanish | | | | Best time to visit is early in the morning or after |
| Mackerel and Stingrays can often be around so | | | | 6:00 PM when it's cool and there is some boat |
| be careful handling both since they can sting or | | | | traffic to watch. Fishing is good anytime the tides |
| bite you. Best time to fish is usually when the tide | | | | move but it's more comfortable early and late. |
| is moving in or out. | | | | Less crowded too so you can find a good picnic |
| The views from the three-story pavilion are | | | | area or watching point. |
| great. You can see many ships coming and going | | | | |